Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the drapey-ness of the design. It looks kind of Grecian. I like the looped overlay on the middle section. That's a cute added detail. I also like the deep V in the back.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't have to make any alterations. I used a regular machine stitched hem for all of my finishing. I didn't want to use my coverstitch as I would normally do. I wanted the finish to simple and clean. I added beaded rosettes because I remembered a top in Anthropologie that I'd seen a while ago and thought it would be a nice touch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? There are very few patterns that I repeat and this one is trendy, so I probably will not sew this one again. But, I do recommend it.

Conclusion: This is pattern was very easy to follow, that had great directions and tips and suggestions throughout.

Mikaela is 11 today! My tiny baby girl is 11 today! Where has the time gone? Her first day of middle school is next week. It seems like it was just her first day of kindergarten. *SIGH* Okay... I'm going to go sob now.

Description: Long sleeve knit cardigan that may be worn open or lower edges can be tied at front waist.

My sewing mojo has been absent lately and I needed something quick and easy to get me back in the game. This is so easy to make... so easy that I whipped this up last Friday afternoon to wear to the movies that night. This pattern is literally two rectangles sewn together (creating a CB seam) that you cut holes in to set the sleeves. It took more time to hem than to actually construct. This is the perfect hybrid between a shawl and a cardigan!

I sewed this straight out of the envelope... no alterations needed. It's just one of those pieces that drape naturally and I decided to let it do whatever it does. I had been lusting over high-end pieces like this, especially one by Maison Martin Margiela, that retails for $745... mine cost me less than $20! LOL

I read a few reviews on this that were quite negative. To each his own... I like it. I didn't care at all for the other two pieces, but I highly recommend this if this is your particular style... it truly doesn't get any easier than this.

Another fun and easy top! This is my second top from this pattern. I made this one before my trip because I wanted something cool, lightweight and wrinkle-free. And also a non-boring variation on the basic t-shirt.

I followed the directions with the exception of the bottom part. I was suppose to add elastic in the side seams for ruching, but the elastic would not cooperate. So instead, I used elastic thread by hand, which was much easier to work with and control.

I really love this detail. This is what makes this top more than a plain ole tee.

Up next...

I'm going to participate in the Mini Wardrobe Contest over at PR, which starts August 1st. I'll put together a storyboard sometime today and post it.

Also, I am determined to find/borrow/steal/buy some time this week to work on my coat muslins.

Carolyn just did a post on "wearability" and it made me think. I wore my Hotpatterns Sailor Pants when I was in New York... this was the first time I've worn them. I had them on from morning until late night. By late night, they were nearly falling off because they had relaxed just that much. I've noticed this problem with most of my natural fiber pants, especially linen.

Can this be prevented?? My first thought is to initially make everything very fitted so when they relax, they will be the right size.

And tired! I'll post pics of my fabric on Wednesday. I shipped over 20 lbs for 2nd day air... no way I was getting all of that in my luggage! My sore feet and swollen ankles will be sleeping in and lazying around today.

I'm being hosted by the "The Creole Princess" who's staying in NYC for the Summer! This is us at Rockefeller Plaza.

Went shopping today at The Spandex House. Can I just say that it's sooooooooo much fabric in there, it was overwhelming! Seriously, I walked in and my eyes could not find a place to land!

I got a chance to met the FABULOUS Mr. Kashi at Metro Textiles! Don't worry... I'll show you ALL of the HOTNESS I bought in there!

I had to over course take in Time Square.

This "southern girl" that drives everywhere, walked around NYC for almost 12 hours today! Can you say my legs don't know what hit them! Up and down those stairs for the subway was no joke. I swear I've lost 2 or 3 pounds since I got here!

I was looking through my archives and I came across three projects that I would deem my FAVORITES. IMO, these are "the cream of the crop" that I have done. I have a special love for each one of these and each one was very labor intensive.

I liked this pattern from the moment I saw it and thought that it would make a great pair of "not so average khakis". I wanted something with some style, that wouldn't look like a pair of Dickies work pants. This pattern is the same as the Alice + Olivia retail version:

The directions were fine. The only time I looked at them was only when I was doing the welt pockets. I didn't have to make a lot of alterations... just my normal lengthening. What I absolutely LOVE about these pants are the wide, contoured waistband. I was kind of leery at first, because there is no CB seam on the waistband. But these pants are so well drafted that there is not the least bit of gappage and I didn't have to do any tweaking. The waistband facing is done with a contrasting fabric. I decided to use the same batiste I used for the pocket bags. In lieu of buttons, three hook and eye closures are used, which leaves a clean front. I really like the welt pockets also. The front pockets are plain and the back ones have a loop button closure. I finished them with a 1 1/2" hem. I really like this one and I will probably use it again for Fall in a heavier fabric.